Pannus: Signs, Symptoms & Management

While  greyhounds, overall, are a remarkably healthy breed, like all breeds,  they are susceptible to certain health conditions.  One such condition  is Pannus, also known as Chronic Superficial Keratitis (CSK).  

While  not something that most greyhound owners will be aware of, as it is a  condition most commonly seen in Shepherds and Collies, greyhounds are  one of the at-risk breeds for the condition…but what is it?

Pannus  is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory, and potentially blinding,  auto-immune disease that primarily affects the cornea.  It is  characterised by the infiltration of blood vessels, pigmented and  inflammatory cells into the cornea, leading impaired vision if left  untreated.

While the exact cause  of Pannus is unclear, as an auto-immune disease, genetics likely play  the most significant role, as well as environmental factors such as UV  radiation being considered a largely influential factor.  As the  radiation alters how the immune system recognises the cornea, the body  mounts the immune response to attack it…leading to Pannus developing.

Interestingly,  while it can start to develop at any age, it quite often doesn’t  present until a hound is around 4-5 years old.  Not sure anyone knows  why though!

Pannus typically  manifests gradually and symmetrically in both eyes.  The early symptoms  can largely go unnoticed as they can often be very subtle.  It may  appear as a very slight grey-pink haze around the outer edge of where  the white part of the eye meets the coloured section.  This often comes  as an extension of the dark pigmentation and prominent blood vessels  often seen in the corner of the white section in a greyhounds eye.

There  may be some opacity on the cornea itself, but typically the haze starts  at the ear-side edges and gradually start to grow across the coloured  section of the eye, with blood vessels prominently extending into the  discoloured areas.  This discolouration, without intervention, will  develop into a less opaque, inflamed, pink covering of the eye which  will ultimately take over the whole eye.

Pannus  in itself is not considered to be a painful condition, but the  spreading inflammation can cause irritation and discomfort to the  affected eye or eyes, leading to squinting, weepy eyes and sensitivity  to light.  It most commonly affects both eyes, but one will typically  present with more severe symptoms.
If it goes  untreated the inflamed cornea will ultimately become heavily scarred and  will eventually lead to partial, or complete, blindness.

If  this wasn’t bad enough on its own, there is also two versions of  Pannus.  They can occur independently, or at the same time.  Plasmoma  (Nictitans Plasmacytic Conjunctivitis) is a secondary version of Pannus  that results in the inflammation in the third eyelid, which contributes  similar symptoms.

While Pannus is  incurable, various treatment can help manage the condition and preserve  vision in affected greyhounds.  The primary goal of treatment is to  suppress inflammation, therefore preventing its progression.  This is  achieved by regularly giving both unmedicated (lubricating) and  medicated (typically corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory) eye drops.   There may be the occasional need for antibiotics to address secondary  infections.

You should not try to  treat Pannus at home, as eye ulcers can present similar symptoms but  the treatment for Pannus (if it’s an ulcer) will blind your dog…so it is  paramount you have your hound diagnosed by a veterinary professional.

But  while Dr Google is never a good idea in treating your pets, there are  things you can do (in addition to the veterinary treatment) to  effectively manage the Pannus at home.

Minimizing  UV exposure is very important.  This can be achieved through the use of  protective eyewear, limiting outdoor activities during peak sunlight  hours and avoiding higher elevations can make a big difference in  discouraging the progression of the disease.  Getting your hound used to  wearing doggy sunglasses are the best way to avoid restricting their  (and your) usual freedom.  Also, as much as they may object, you will  need to discourage any sun worshipping in summer and keep them indoors  on the brightest days of the year, especially in summer!

Walk  your hound in the early mornings or evenings, stick to shady areas and  overall try to minimise direct exposure to the sun.  Regularly check  their eyes for signs of progression or remission and ensure regular  check-ups at the vet.

Furthermore,  maintaining overall health and immune function through a balanced diet,  and supplementation can improve your hound’s response to treatment and  improve long-term outcomes.  Supplements that boost eye and immune  health, such as the Omega-3s, vitamin A, B, C and E, as well as selenium  and carotene, should be high on the agenda!

Pannus  is a fully manageable condition, but for the best outcome, you want to  catch it early and begin treatment as quickly as possible after noticing  the early signs.  If you have any concerns about your hounds eye  health, call your vet, as it’s always best to play it safe than have  issues down the line!